Canton, Randolph synagogues merge

Monday

Dec 4, 2017 at 3:52 PMDec 4, 2017 at 3:52 PM

Two Jewish congregations in Canton and formerly Randolph have voted to merge.

Temple Beth Abraham in Canton, and Temple Beth Am formerly in Randolph before moving into the Canton synagogue, voted on Nov. 19 to form one entity, currently called the Congregation of Temple Beth Abraham & Temple Beth Am. The merger will go into effect Jan. 1 and a new name will be selected.

“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the merger process,” stated Andrew Azer, President of Temple Beth Am, who will preside over the combined congregation in January. “Both congregations have rich traditions and histories and share the common goal of securing a home for conservative Judaism in the South Shore. Both sides bring tremendous strengths that are beneficial to the other.”

Azer noted that due to declining membership, Temple Beth Am could no longer afford the cost of its large facility. It sold its Randolph building and then sought a new home. Temple Beth Abraham was struggling financially and thinking about future options. In May, Temple Beth Am moved into the Canton synagogue building and a merger process was begun.

“Temple Beth Abraham has been very welcoming and supportive,” Azer said. “Together we have synergies that allow us to remain a strong, vibrant community by securing our financial viability. Based on the sale of our building, Temple Beth Am brings financial resources and a strong presence at services. Temple Beth Abraham has a great facility and strong human resources to plan and coordinate programs and events. We have already seen great success in our High Holiday service attendance and joint programming that will only grow in the future."

Dr. Michael Bakerman, president of Temple Beth Abraham, who will become vice president in January, agreed that “the merger allowed two struggling Jewish congregations to unify and strengthen each other. There are also several synergies that work for us. We have strong bonds with families and friends in both communities. Our religious style and services are similar. Both congregations have strong and forward thinking leadership and many talented congregation members.”

Both congregations also have rabbis. Rabbi Navah Levine of Temple Beth Abraham and Rabbi David Grossman of Temple Beth Am are now serving as the spiritual leaders of the merged synagogue. Their contracts expire on June 30, 2018 and a committee is being set up to make recommendations for the future clergy of the merged congregation.

“The fact that we accomplished this merger is our own small miracle,” stated Dr. Bakerman. “Miracles can and do happen even in this century. Many people worked tirelessly to accomplish the goal. We should all recognize our combined success and use it as a model for going forward. There will be a lot of hard work to follow, but this is an auspicious and inspiring start.”